5 weeks

5 weeks till we leave and head to Beijing. 5 weeks, that's it. I like to say that it has come up fast but in reality I've known it was coming all along. It it just so close now. Every practice has counted since I arrived here at the OTC and it's now that I start to look back and reflect wondering and hoping that I made the most of them all.
When it comes to the Paralympics I am constantly asked if I am going to medal. Do I want to? Of course. Do I think I can? Yes, but I know it will be tough. My S9 class is so competitive and thanks to Natalie Du Toit of South Africa I would have to drop 40 seconds in my best event the 400 free to win gold. Yes, 40 seconds... To be in medal contention it would be a 20 second drop. I dropped 17 seconds at trials and I know it can be done. I'm just gonna try my hardest to get to the wall before my competitiors. That's all I can do. And regardless of the medal outcome I know I would have done my best and I'll be happy with that. I have been imagining myself on top of the podium hearing our nationl anthem and I get goosebumps and all worked up even thinking about it. As much As I love to think about it and imagine it, it will come down to how fast I can go in China. I'll be ready.

I had a great weekend with Dick. He heads back to Chicago in 2 weeks to start back up with school. I can't believe the summer is almost over. Brother is getting back from his year long tour in Iraq in a little over a week. Next weekend DIck is driving the 26 hr. trip from CO to NC to bring him his car. I will be joining him for half the trip so next Sat after practice we'll drive to Kansas City and then on to St. Louis the next day where I will fly back to CO. Fun road trip!

I am looking forward to practice this week. I look forward to it most weeks. It's on Wed or Thurs when I get so sore that I begin to look forward to the weekend. But it's the beg. of the week so I'm excited.